Alterations
We provide alterations for brides and beloveds who purchase their dresses or ensembles at another shop!
What is the alterations process?
First, shoot us a call, text, or email to set up an initial appointment. Bring your dress to your appointment. During that appointment, we will do a fit analysis. This means we inspect your gown and our Director of Tailoring assesses the fit on you. The two of you discuss the way the garment fits and decide what changes need to be made to the sizing or silhouette to make it most complimentary. Once the analysis is complete, the tailor will discuss all the steps and what you can expect for each appointment. Typically, the tailor will start with adjustments to the bodice, sleeves, neckline, etc., and work their way down to the hem length and bustle. If there is customization, sometimes it is best to address that first also
How many appointments are there and how long do they last?
Typical alterations require 3-4 fittings. The appointments last anywhere from 10-45 minutes depending on the client’s needs. If there are customizations, this can require more or longer appointments. If a client would like a customization like new sleeves made for their ensemble, this adds 1-2 more fittings.
What do I need to bring to my alterations appointment?
Please bring your garment(s) in garment bags and any undergarments you’re planning to wear on your wedding day. If you would like to customize any part of your attire, we love when our clients bring images (Instagram posts, Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, etc.) of their garment ideas. We will go over those images and discuss the designs they like and the ones they don’t in order to understand the ideal alterations for the client.
What if I bought a sample wedding dress at another store?
We love to work with other stores!! Please bring your dress in and we would love to help tailor it!
What if my dress is delayed from the shop or designer?
Just give us a call. We like to get you on the calendar right away when you order your dress. We schedule based on the estimated dress arrival but sometimes there are delays. Just let us know and we will reschedule with you and make sure your place is held.
What customizations do you offer?
Everything. Sleeves, belts, veils, making things removable, additional skirts, linings, adding new structure, corset backs, embellishments, beading, padding out hips or busts, gender affirming alterations, redesign, etc…
If you can imagine it, we can likely do it. We are a design house so we can put LED lights in your dress if you want!
When do I need to bring my shoes?
Your tailor will let you know when you are required to bring your shoes. We only measure for the hem with thee shoes that you’ll be wearing on your wedding day. No need to bring in test shoes unless you want to see how they look with your garment.
When do I take my dress home?
As soon as your bustle is complete and every detail fits as desired, we will send you home with your dress or ensemble. It is typically 2-4 weeks before your wedding.
What if there is something that still needs to be tailored?
We always ask for the opportunity to make your garment fit as well as possible. Occasionally, this may require another fitting. Tailoring is as much an art as it is a science. Since we break our process down into different fittings, it enables us to notice most changes required as we go. But, sometimes we need to add a fitting to make a change or adjust something so it is up to our standards (and yours). We want you to be proud to wear your dress on your wedding day.
What happens if my body changes during alterations?
It is a common and very understandable question! We all fluctuate here and there and wedding garments are arguably the most important item of clothing we will wear. Modehaus is a size inclusive and body neutral business that is going to accept and service our clients at every stage and size.
We always leave ourselves space to take in or let out a garment as much as possible without causing structural complications to the construction and fit of the garment.
We also prefer to have the last appointment nearer to the client’s wedding date to make sure that things are fitting in our client’s current physical state.
Being open and clear about any fluctuations or changes you might anticipate for any reason is very helpful during your tailoring journey. In certain instances, we do require additional payment if the work must be repeated.
Common topics include weight loss or gain, glp-1s, pregnancy, nursing, gender affirming care, injury, disabilities, etc. We see it all and are here for it all!
Will I be welcome there?
If you are someone who accepts and welcomes all people regardless of their social, sexual, racial, or gender, and at the very least, respects Beyonce as an artist, then yes, you will be welcome here.
We welcome all shes, gays, theys, and only cool dudes in our space. We strive for empowerment, equity, and accountability in our space.
We DO NOT welcome racism, classism, fatphobia, misogyny, and body shaming.
What does it cost to get wedding alterations?
Alterations typically range from 1200-1700 + tax. Customizations and more intricate ensembles can cause the price to increase. The estimate for your alterations will be discussed during your fit analysis/first consultation. If the cost ever has potential to exceed the initial estimate, the tailor will discuss it with the client immediately.
There are times when we begin work on an ensemble and discover a manufacturing error, fit limitation, or fabric issue that require a new approach. The good news is that our team is always ready to pivot with our clients to find the simplest and most cost effective solution if an issue arises. Examples include, a surprising lack of seam allowance, fabrics cut on the wrong grainline, stains, discoloration, malfunctioning zippers, warped boning, and the list goes on and on.
Can I bring guests?
Please do! It is always nice to have a trusted friend or family member with a second set of eyes on your wedding gown. Most importantly, we want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident in both our work and your choices.
Where is the shop?
We are located in the Northrup King Building in the Arts’ District in NE Minneapolis.
The NKB building is a beautiful maze so these directions REALLY help people find us. You are always welcome to call or text if you are lost or running late.
HOT TIP: Google Maps seems to be the best map app to find us AND read the directions below about where to park before you follow the GPS. (Apple maps, not so great).
Add Modehaus Bridal Atelier to your google maps and it will direct you to the Northrup King Building in the Arts’ District in North East Minneapolis.
There is a large, free parking lot. Please feel free to park anywhere legally available.
At the turn before the main entrance, there is a door marked as 1450 Vanburen Street. The door has a small green awning and our Modehaus sign outside of it.
Go up one flight of stairs, enter the metal door and take right, left down the long hallway, left through the next hallway, right down the ramp, follow the hanging stars to suite 225.
VISUAL DIRECTIONS https://www.instagram.com/p/DHtmnc3R_qX/